Mold and mildew are among the many airborne fungi circulating in our environment. But it isn’t until it interacts with moisture that it becomes the hazardous growth that ruins food, walls, air quality, and much more. Unfortunately, everyday occurrences like leaky pipes, rainy weather, or high humidity make it easy for mold and mildew to disturb your living space, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The secret to managing mold, mildew, and the associated unpleasant odors lies in reducing moisture whenever possible, according to information of the website of the Environmental Protection Agency. You’ll also have to develop a hyper-vigilant eye for growth on clothes, in the bathroom, on walls, on furniture, and in other mold- and mildew-prone areas. Finally, incorporating products like enzyme-based cleaners that work to attack and eliminate mold, or paint primers designed to eradicate all fungal organisms.So, if you’re on the hunt for products to solve that smelly, moldy issue growing in the basement, then you’re in the right place. Here are 12 home fixes for foul odors, mold and mildew.Some preventative careAccording to Amazon shoppers, Mold Armor's three-month mold blocker is an effective, efficient cleaner that eliminates mold in poorly ventilated spaces. That's because its fast-acting, bleach-based formula can penetrate laminate, linoleum, sealed grout, stainless steel, and plastic surfaces, according to the brand. It can also be used as a preventive measure with weekly use. From the bathroom and kitchen tiles to garbage cans and patio furniture, this spray gets the job done. Promising review: "This stuff works! our bathroom is not well ventilated so we get the spots in the grout occasionally. One spray of Mold Armor and it disappears. I dont even rinse it off. Also tried it on the bottom of the shower curtain, it worked great!" – William HanafyA dynamic mold and mildew duoRMR Brands created two formulas: one to remove old stains and the other to kill and prevent them from returning. The DIY mold remover bundle includes the complete mold killer and stain remover duo — two powerful, fast-acting formulasthat are said to uproot mold and mildew from multiple surfaces. Whether there's growth on kitchen tiles or on concrete in the yard, this product eliminates mold and mildew and prevents them from growing back. This product is a favorite among Amazon shoppers, with 75% of consumers giving it a five-star rating. "I was honestly skeptical at first, but the RMR Mold Remover blew me away," wrote reviewer Jalen bullock. "I sprayed it on an old bathroom ceiling and some stubborn mold on my shower grout, and within minutes I could literally watch the stains disappear. There was no heavy scrubbing needed — just spray, let it sit, and wipe it off.The smell is strong at first, so I definitely recommend using it in a well-ventilated area or wearing a mask. But the results make it completely worth it. I’ve tried a lot of so-called mold removers, and this one is hands-down the most effective. My bathroom looks brand new again.If you’re dealing with mold or mildew on walls, tile, or even outside surfaces, this is absolutely worth the money."A spa-like cleaner that smells "heavenly," according to one reviewerMethod bathroom cleaner is a bleach-free formula that removes mold, mildew, and stains that plague the bathroom walls, tiles, and tubs. Not only does it get rid of unwanted bacteria, but its eucalyptus mint scent will have you thinking you're at the spa. 79% of Amazon shoppers gave the Method bathroom cleaner five stars because it effectively removes mold and mildew, and they love that it's safe to use around kids and pets. One reviewer said, "I own my own cleaning business and this is the only cleaning product that I will use in the bathroom. It smells amazing, it cleans very well, the bottle it comes in is great, the spray bottle cap part is also super nice and good quality!! I haven’t noticed any streaking, it’s very effective, and it’s safe to use with children and pets around. It smells heavenly, too!"A shield against musty laundrySmelly clothes are never fun, especially if they have that moldy, mildew stench. Lysol is known for eliminating germs and neutralizing scents, so it hit the jackpot with the Lysol laundry sanitizer. Not only was it designed to remove stains, but it also claims to effectively kill 99.9% of bacteria and eliminate lingering odors that might be hard to get rid of. The 90-ounce bottle comes in three scents: crisp linen, lavender fusion, and tough odor eliminator. 88% of Amazon shoppers were impressed enough with Lysol's laundry sanitizer to give it a 5-star review.. They agree that its powerful formula removes unsavory odors from smelly cloth diapers to sour gym clothes. One reviewer called it a "total game-changer in my house." She wrote, "I started using this when I was potty training my son, and it has honestly been a lifesaver. I add it to the softener slot in our regular loads and everything comes out smelling clean and fresh. I love that it helps to kill germs even in cold water, which saves energy and still feels like our clothes are getting clean. My only complaint is that the bottle tends to drip when you pour and I wish there was a bigger size bottle, but that’s minor compared to all the things I love about it. If you have kids, sports gear, or anyone with sensitive skin in the house, this is absolutely worth keeping on hand. I can't recommend it enough."A wall saverZinsser's water-based mold-killing primer is a genius solution for effectively eliminating mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria. The primer is made with an EPA-registered antimicrobial that doesn't just cover mold and mildew, it stops it from regrowing. The water-based formula should be used indoors, on wood or metal. 76% of Amazon shoppers gave this primer a five-star rating, agreeing that it provides great coverage and directly addresses pesky mold and mildew growth. One shopper wrote, "This paint, simply said does what it says it does. I used it in a closet that is on an outer wall of my home as well as on the ceiling of a bathroom. Two areas where there is moisture. It has been a year now and I'm please that there has been no return of the problem in those areas. I ordered 2 cans for my son."A funky fungi eliminatorBiokleen's Bac-Out carpet stain and odor remover is an answered prayer for anyone who experiences frequent spills, leaky pets, or moldy surfaces. The bio-active, plant-based formula includes a medley of live enzymes that break down odor, stains, and bacteria at the root. From pet accidents on the carpet to wine stains on the couch, this cleaner is a "magical witchcraft potion" according to an Amazon shopper. After wetting a cat-puke stain with the formula, the reviewer “forgot to return to scrub after spraying, and guess what? IT WAS GONE. The stain was LITERALLY GONE -- no scrubbing, no panting, no cursing, no hoping. This stuff literally ate it up!”A device to clean the airAir purifiers may make life much easier for people who suffer from allergies caused by dust, pet hair, smoke, mold, or old carpets. This Levolt purifier is equipped with carbon filters that can neutralize problematic odors in the home. 78% of Amazon shoppers gave the Levolt purifier five stars. They consider it a quality device that's quiet and worth the price. One reviewer wrote, "My boyfriend and I have been very congested lately, even after dusting and vacuuming my old air purifier wasn’t cutting it. I could not find a new filter in that size either so we decided to upgrade. This new air purifier is basically silent on the lowest setting, and it’s so easy to clean! We’ve been breathing a lot better, and I’ve been checking the filter once or twice a week to look at all the dust and debris this thing caught. It’s small but mighty, definitely a great value!"A miracle pasteStar Drops calls its product a "miracle" cleaning paste because it's versatile enough to tackle most household messes. From tough stains on carpets and furniture to rusty faucets and dirty BBQ grills, this cleaning paste is powerful enough to penetrate the grimiest disasters. That's because it's made with sodium palmate, a soap that binds to oils and dirt, lifting them off surfaces so they can be washed away with ease. Star Drops' cleaning paste is very popular, with over 230,000 global ratings. 69% of those folks gave it a five-star rating, calling it an effective stain remover thats easy to use. "This stuff really works," wrote one reviewer. I was having so much trouble finding a cleaning solution for my shower grout to get some mold buildup and stains out. It took some elbow grease, but I used the paste with the Pink wand to clean and it truly looks renewed. My stone is natural stone and I had a hard time finding something safe for the stone. 12/10 -would recommend." A bacteria annihilator Briotech's sanitizer disinfectant is an expert in eliminating harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, and it can even addresses common allergens like dust mites, pollen, and mold. The antibacterial spray is considered an all-purpose surface cleaner that can be used on everyday items like phones, toys, kitchen counters, and more. 84% of Amazon shoppers gave this cleaner a five-star rating, highlighting its ability to kill bacteria and keep the home sanitary. One reviewer referred to it as a household staple. They wrote, "We use this on EVERYTHING, literally! I have small opaque glass spray bottle I pour this into and I keep a spray bottle everywhere. In my purse, diaper bag, car, one in each big room of my house, and at my desk at work. This is such a safer and effective cleaning/sanitizing spray. When we are out and my baby drops his pacifier I spray a little on it, let it air dry real quick, and pop it right back in. It is safe for pets and babies. I use it as hand sanitizer. We use it to clean/sanitize toys, the highchair, and other surfaces. There is no harsh chemical smell. We had no problems with the container leaking. Light can break it down so I love that it is now in a solid white plastic container. It kills all the icky germs that my kids love to bring home. It is getting us through the winter! A staple in our home."A gallon of goodnessCLR Pro's mold and mildew stain remover gets to the root of fungi, from hardwood floors and baseboards to shower walls and kitchen grout. The fast-acting, bleach-free formula works within minutes and is completely safe to use around kids and pets. Amazon shoppers love this mold and mildew remover so much the 72% of them gave it a five-star rating. They agree that it is a quality cleaner that effectively removes fungi. One reviewer wrote, "I used it to clean white/translucent slime (assumed to be mold) from a sump pit. After pouring a few ounces of liquid and some water on it, it started foaming without generating any fumes or odors. 30 minutes later I rinsed the pit/pump with multiple gallons of water and to my surprise all the slime was essentially gone, requiring minimal scrubbing. It says it is septic safe on the bottle, and it helped avoid the use of vinegar or bleach which could damage the pump."A savior for outdoor spacesIf you think the mold in your bathroom is disgusting, can you imagine what grows in the frequently damp areas outside, like the patio or concrete? Wet & Forget Outdoor's cleaner addresses all outside growths, from mold and mildew to moss and algae. This easy-to-use cleaner is perfect for driveways, roofs, and outdoor decks, and can be used on wood, vinyl, concrete, upholstery, and more. The brand suggests mixing the cleaner with five cups of water, then pouring it onto the desired areas. They say progress is usually seen over time, but some Amazon shoppers reported improvement within as little as three days. With 72% of consumers giving this cleaner a five-star rating, it's a viable option for keeping your outdoor area mold- and mildew-free. One person noted that, "This product is amazing. I am a 72 y/o woman who lives in the Pacific Northwest where we have damp weather from fall through spring. My walkway to the house becomes hazardous with algae, mildew and mold. I sprayed the area, and within a day, the results were impressive. Far less strenuous than pressure washing. Just keep pets off the area for 4 hours allowing it to dry completely. Is Mildew As Harmful As Mold?Mold and mildew are often lumped together, but they differ in their impact. Mold poses serious health risks because it can trigger respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, and weaken the immune system. Mildew is a less harmful growth that usually aggravates allergies, causing coughing, sneezing, or itching. The impact might be different, but their distinct, musty smell is equally disturbing.